“They’re good at throw-ins and at corner kicks,” Strikwerda said of the Northmen, who are 20-1-3 on the season. “It changes the game a little for us.

“Seth Broekhuizen, our goalie, is big on any balls coming in, either punching them out or taking charge in the goal area as he has the whole tournament. We have to get it before it gets on the ground.

“Once it gets on the ground, you’re in trouble.”

Petoskey used timely goals to win both of its matches last week 1-0. The Northmen defeated No. 2 Grand Rapids Forest Hills Eastern in the regional semifinals, then Fruitport 1-0 in the regional finals for their first state semifinal berth since 2002.

Scott Batchelor, Petoskey’s coach, expects another tight match against Holland Christian (18-5).
“The two goalies are pretty good, and it will be a really close game just like all the games we’ve already had,” Batchelor said. “I know Holland Christian is athletic. We’re athletic.”

Petoskey goalie Grant Reed has recorded 14 shutouts this season, including three in the playoffs. He is a senior.

“They sound a little like we are, a team,” Strikwerda said of the Northmen. “We’ve got to try to stop their leading scorers, but there might be other scorers who can come through in any spot. They play together well.

“It will come down to one thing, but I don’t know what that thing is. I’m just excited we’re in the final four. Anything can happen.”

The Maroons are making their first state semifinal appearance since 2003, when they went on to capture the Division 2 state title. They also claimed a Class B-C state championship in 1986.

Petoskey last reached a state title match in 1997 when it finished runner-up in Class B. The Northmen won a Class B state title in 1995. Batchelor coached both teams.

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